February – Short, But Oh-So-Sweet!

By Carolina Pichardo

Although February is the shortest month of the year, it is also filled with some of the sweetest and most important celebrations of the year. Among the more prominent are Valentine’s Day, of course, as well as President’s Day – not to mention Black History Month, in which we celebrate the contributions of African-Americans. In addition, there are many other significant occasions that can be marked with a family outing or activity.

Black History Month

What Color Is My World? is written by Washington Heights’ own Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Teaching our children about African-American culture is critical to shaping a world view that is expansive and informed. What better way to engage your child than by picking up a good book? What Color Is My World? by Washington Heights’ own Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares with readers the stories of many influential, and sometimes overlooked, African-American inventors. It’s a great, inspirational read for preschoolers, elementary and middle-school aged children. Depending on your child’s age and reading levels, there are many plays, novels and autobiographies that will both stir the imagination and provoke serious deliberation on our country’s complicated history. Get to a library with your child, and make a day of it.

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4th. As observed by the World Health Organization, it promotes ways to educate and bring attention to cancer prevention and improving the quality of life for patients. If you know a survivor or someone battling the disease, make time with your children to create a few hand-crafted messages, pick up some flowers or other small gifts. Create a basket with a message, whether it be silly or serious, that communicates to your loved one that you and your family are always wishing them well. If you’ve lost someone to the disease, sit down with your child and find a way to discuss the importance of keeping memories alive, and invite them to talk openly about loss and love. For more information, visit www.worldcancerday.org.

Family Affair

The Bronx Museum of the Arts will host a “Family Affair” event.

Love can be expressed with more than a box of chocolates this time of year. Consider a trip to The Bronx Museum of the Arts for its “Family Affair: From the Bronx with Love” event, in which there will be a day’s worth of art-making activities for the whole family. This is part of the museum’s monthly series, sponsored by the New Yankee Stadium Community Benefits Fund and Con Edison with additional support from The David Rockefeller Fund. It’s free for children under 12 and under with a parent or guardian. Pre-registration is highly-recommended; visit www.bronxmuseum.org to get started.

Mansion Living

A visit to Manhattan’s oldest house is always a treat.

Keep history – and your children’s love of local lore – alive with a trip to Northern Manhattan’s Morris-Jumel Mansion, once home to President George Washington. It is the oldest house in Manhattan, and served as a headquarters for both sides in the American Revolution. According to museum officials, on July 10, 1790, Washington even dined there with members of his cabinet Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton. This was decades after the United States had gained its independence, and before Adams and Jefferson would go on to become Presidents themselves. For more information, please visit www.morrisjumel.org.

Social Justice Too

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed it a day of “peaceful and prosperous coexistence within nations.”

Feeling adventurous? Consider celebrating “World Day of Social Justice” on February 20th. It has been proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly as a day of “peaceful and prosperous coexistence within nations.” Perhaps you can help coordinate a school visit to the United Nations with your child’s teacher either this month or at some point during the year. Or you might plan for an international celebration, either at school, at church, or your local community center, in which a potluck meal and performances involving the traditions of various cultures are shared. Just arranging for a small circle session with your child and his or her friends on ways they want to make a difference in the world will prove enlightening and uplifting. Ask them what they will do to ensure social justice. You’ll be surprised what beautiful and creative answers they come up with. For more information, visit www.un.org/en/events/socialjusticeday.

February may be a short month, but it is full of joy and romance and fun. Get out there and enjoy it!

Carolina Pichardo is the co-founder of Young Urban Moms (YUM), and a proud young mom to her beautiful, energetic daughter, Lyanna and little one Max. She’s been an editor and content producer for several publications, newsletters and websites, such as Working Mother Magazine, Grandparents.com, and Parents.com. She can be reached at info@youngurbanmoms.com.